Interlocking sidewalk block system

ABSTRACT

New and improved interlocking sidewalk block system. The system incorporates a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each having parallel top and bottom surfaces, parallel left length and right length side surfaces and parallel first end width and second end width surfaces. The first end width and second end width surfaces having a continuous channel running along the full width, said continuous channels being formed with lips at the first end width and second end width surfaces that create an internal height that is greater than the height at the surfaces. The system includes a plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped to have a cross section that fits simultaneously within two continuous channels when two sidewalk blocks are placed with a first end width surface of one block abutting the second end width surface of the second block and sliding a coupler into the continuous channels.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of my invention is sidewalk blocks of the type typically used by cities and towns along the sideline of streets and by homeowners to provide a path to and from the residence. The invention portrayed is an improved sidewalk block system that provides for a coupler that permits the blocks to be interlocked. Sidewalks have been in use for hundreds of years. In most instances the sidewalk comprised a plurality of individual blocks laid adjoining each other. In more recent times sidewalks have also been constructed using materials that formed a continuous surface such as poured concrete or blacktop. The problem with individual blocks is that they may move as the ground settles creating an uneven surface. It is possible to remove one or more blocks, leveling the subsurface and placing the blocks back in place or placing new blocks in place. In the case of a continuous surface such as poured concrete or blacktop if the surface becomes uneven it is necessary to cut thru the surface remove the portion that is uneven, level the subsurface, and pour new concrete or blacktop. With present sidewalks it is also possible that it is necessary to dig up a portion of the sidewalk to repair or install water lines, sewer lines or other utilities. This would require that the sidewalk be broken up, removed and reinstalled or a new sidewalk be installed in that area.

[0002] Sidewalks presently are installed with the intent that they remain permanently in place. The problem is that any repair or replacement requires that the old sidewalk be removed, repositioned, or replaced.

[0003] The present invention provides an improved sidewalk system that permits the easy removal and reinstallation of any block.

[0004] An object of the invention is to provide for couplers that interconnect two adjoining blocks preventing movement of either block in the vertical direction.

[0005] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved interlocking sidewalk block system that provides a walking surface that remains continuous without uneven spots where blocks are prevented from either dropping or rising as result of soil settling, frost heaves or otherwise.

INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention portrayed is an improved system of sidewalk blocks, of the type typically used by cities and towns along the sideline of streets and by homeowners to provide a path to and from the residence. There is a need for this system as individual blocks may move as the ground settles, or is heaved, creating an uneven surface this may also be a problem even where sidewalks have been constructed using materials that formed a continuous surface such as poured concrete or blacktop. The improved sidewalk block system of the present invention provides for couplers that permit the blocks to be interlocked. It is possible to remove one or more couplers lift the blocks, level the subsurface and replace the blocks or place new blocks in position. In the case of a continuous surface such as poured concrete or blacktop if the surface becomes uneven it is necessary to cut thru the surface, remove the portion that is uneven, level the subsurface, and pour new concrete or blacktop, the end result is usually uneven. With present sidewalks it is also possible that it is necessary to dig up a portion of the sidewalk to repair or install water lines, sewer lines or other utilities. This would require that the sidewalk be broken up, removed and reinstalled or a new sidewalk be installed in that area. The possible liability due to imperfections in the resulting surface is another reason for the improvement provided by the present invention.

[0007] The invention portrayed is a new and improved interlocking sidewalk block system. The system incorporates a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, generally parallel left length side and right length side surfaces and parallel first end width side and second end width side surfaces. The first end width side and second end width side surfaces both having a continuous channel running the full length of the side. Said continuous channels formed by continuous openings running the full length of the first end width side and second end width side surfaces. Said continuous channels each having an internal vertical dimension and an opening vertical dimension. Said continuous channel opening vertical dimension is smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical dimension.

[0008] The system includes a plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block.. The couplers are further sized and shaped to permit the couplers to be slidably inserted within said adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block.. Further the couplers are sized and shaped to remain frictionally secured within said adjoining continuous channels.

[0009] The interlocking sidewalk block system is formed by placing a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks with the first end width side surface of each block abutting the second end width side surface of the abutting rectangular sidewalk block and slidably inserting a plurality of couplers within the adjoining continuous channels.

[0010] The system as described is using removable couplers that are made of resilient material. Non corrosive metal, plastic or fibreglass could easily be used. However, depending on the location and application other less resilient materials could be used, even wood.

[0011] It is also possible to use material for the couplers that is poured into the adjoining continuous channels in a liquid form and then allowed to cure forming a solid.

[0012] In any event the couplers may easily be removed by pushing each coupler thru the adjoining continuous channels, pulling the coupler back out of adjoining continuous channels, by cutting the coupler along the length of the coupler and removing each half or by such other means as may be required. Obviously the intent of the invention is to preserve the rectangular sidewalk blocks for reuse when replaced. The couplers are not necessarily reused if damaged during removal.

[0013] The rectangular sidewalk blocks would most likely be formed of concrete, however other weather resistant materials would be appropriate such as plastic or fibreglass. In forming the rectangular sidewalk blocks sleeves made of resilient material, such as steel, could be incorporated in the blocks providing more strength to the continuous channels.

[0014] In the event a particular application requires steps the continuous channels could be positioned to be on the first end bottom surface and the second end top surface of each rectangular sidewalk block.

[0015] The sidewalk blocks are described as being rectangular, however other shapes would be possible. For instance the blocks could be almost any decorative or design shape, provided two adjoining surfaces where the continuous channels are located are straight and parallel. With this in mind it would be possible for the sidewalk to have areas that are not intends for walking. Also it would be possible for the sidewalk to form nearly any pattern or design.

[0016] While the invention will be discussed in connection with A preferred embodiment, it will be understood that I do not intend to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, I intend to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Turning first to FIG. 1 there is shown the present invention, INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, showing Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, with Couplers 3 inserted in the Continuous Channels 4. The Continuous Channels 4 run the full width dimension of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2. Each Coupler 3 acts to prevent the adjoining Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the vertical direction. The Couplers 3 prevent the Rectangular Blocks 2 from moving toward or apart from each other. The Couplers 3 are frictionally engaged within the Continuous Channels 4 of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 acting to prevent the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the lateral direction.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention and shows the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, Coupler 3 and Continuous Channels 4. The Sleeves 5 that are formed with the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 are also shown. In addition the openings at the side of the Continuous Channels 6 are also shown.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Coupler 3 showing an end indicating an H shaped cross section.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 indicating an application where steps are required the Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view indicating an alternate shape of the cross section of the Continuous Channel 4.

[0022]FIG. 6 is an end view of a Coupler 3 indicating an alternate shaped cross section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] The invention is a new and improved interlocking sidewalk block system as shown in FIG. 1. The system incorporates a plurality of Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 each with a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, generally parallel left length side and right length side surfaces and parallel first end width side and second end width side surfaces. The first end width side and second end width side surfaces both having a Continuous Channel 4 running the full length of the side. The Continuous Channels 4 are formed by continuous openings running the full length of the first end width side and second end width side surfaces. The Continuous Channels 4 each have an internal vertical dimension and an opening vertical dimension, with the continuous channel opening vertical dimension smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical dimension.

[0024] The system includes a plurality of Couplers 3 that are sized and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining Continuous Channels 4 when a first Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2. The Couplers 3 are further sized and shaped to permit the Couplers 3 to be slidably inserted and frictionally secured within said adjoining Continuous Channels 4 when a first Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2.

[0025] The interlocking sidewalk block system is formed by placing a plurality of Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 with the first end width side surface of each block abutting the second end width side surface of the abutting Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 and slidably inserting a plurality of Couplers 3 within the adjoining Continuous Channels 4.

[0026] The system as described is using removable Couplers 3 that are made of resilient material. Non corrosive metal, plastic or fibreglass could easily be used.

[0027] The Couplers 3 may easily be removed by pushing each Coupler 3 thru the adjoining Continuous Channels 4.

[0028] Sleeves 5 made of resilient material, such as steel, are shown incorporated in the blocks.

[0029] In the event a particular application requires steps the Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2.

[0030] Turning first to FIG. 1 there is shown the present invention, INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, showing Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, with Couplers 3 inserted in the Continuous Channels 4. The Continuous Channels 4 run the full width dimension of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2. Each Coupler 3 acts to prevent the adjoining Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the vertical direction. The Couplers 3 prevent the Rectangular Blocks 2 from moving toward or apart from each other. The Couplers 3 are frictionally engaged within the Continuous Channels 4 of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 acting to prevent the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the lateral direction.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention and shows the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, Coupler 3 and Continuous Channels 4. The Sleeves 5 that are formed with the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 are also shown. In addition the openings at the side of the Continuous Channels 6 are also shown.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Coupler 3 showing an end indicating an H shaped cross section.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 indicating an application where steps are required the Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a side view indicating an alternate shape of the cross section of the Continuous Channel 4.

[0035]FIG. 6 is an end view of a Coupler 3 indicating an alternate shaped cross section.

[0036] From the foregoing description it will be apparent that modifications can be made to the apparatus without departing from the teaching of the present invention. Accordingly, it is distinctly understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment but may be embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim the following:
 1. New and improved Interlocking Sidewalk Block System comprising: a.) a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having a top surface, a bottom surface, a left length side surface, a right side surface, first end width side surface and a second end width side surface, the top surface being generally parallel to the bottom surface, the left length side surface being generally parallel to the right length side surface, the first end width side surface being parallel to the second end width side surface, the first end width side and second end width side surfaces both having a continuous channel running the full length of the side, said continuous channels formed by continuous openings running the full length of the first end width side and second end width side surfaces, said continuous channels each having an internal vertical dimension and an opening vertical dimension, said continuous channel opening vertical dimension is smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical dimension; b.) a plurality of sleeves made of resilient material fixedly secured to said rectangular sidewalk block further defining said continuous channel; and c.) a plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block., said couplers are further sized and shaped to permit the couplers to be slidably inserted within said adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block, said couplers are sized and shaped to remain frictionally secured within said adjoining continuous channels.
 2. New and improved Interlocking Sidewalk Block System comprising: a.) a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having a top surface, a bottom surface, a left length side surface, a right side surface, first end width side surface and a second end width side surface, the top surface being generally parallel to the bottom surface, the first end width side surface being parallel to the second end width side surface, the first end width side and second end width side surfaces both having a continuous channel running the full length of the side, said continuous channels formed by continuous openings running the full length of the first end width side and second end width side surfaces, said continuous channels each having an internal vertical dimension and an opening vertical dimension, said continuous channel opening vertical dimension is smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical dimension; b.) a plurality of sleeves made of resilient material fixedly secured to said rectangular sidewalk block further defining said continuous channel; and c.) a plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block., said couplers are further sized and shaped to permit the couplers to be slidably inserted within said adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block, said couplers are sized and shaped to remain frictionally secured within said adjoining continuous channels. 